How to Sign "Voice"
Form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Place the fingertips of your index and middle fingers against your throat. Move your hand upward and outward away from your neck.
Examples Using "Voice" in a Sentence
1
Her voice is very loud.
Sign 'her', then 'voice' by moving the 'V' handshape up and out from your throat, followed by the sign for 'loud'.
2
I lost my voice.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'lose', and then sign 'voice' starting at your neck to show what was lost.
3
He has a beautiful singing voice.
Sign 'he', 'beautiful', 'sing', and finish with 'voice', ensuring the 'V' handshape moves clearly outward from the throat.
How to Sign "Voice"
Form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Place the fingertips of your index and middle fingers against your throat. Move your hand upward and outward away from your neck.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized sign, meaning it uses the first letter of the English word ('V' for voice). The placement and movement are highly iconic, starting at the throat where the vocal cords are located and moving outward to represent the physical projection of sound.
Signing Tips
Make sure to use a clear 'V' handshape, as the letter 'V' stands for 'voice' in English. Keep the movement smooth and directed upward and outward from the throat, representing sound traveling from the vocal cords.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the wrong handshape, such as an index finger alone, which can confuse the meaning. Another mistake is moving the hand downward instead of upward and outward, which disrupts the visual representation of sound projecting.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Voice" in a Sentence
1Her voice is very loud.
Sign 'her', then 'voice' by moving the 'V' handshape up and out from your throat, followed by the sign for 'loud'.
2I lost my voice.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'lose', and then sign 'voice' starting at your neck to show what was lost.
3He has a beautiful singing voice.
Sign 'he', 'beautiful', 'sing', and finish with 'voice', ensuring the 'V' handshape moves clearly outward from the throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean the same thing as 'speak' or 'talk'?
No, 'voice' specifically refers to the vocal sound or the vocal cords themselves. 'Speak' and 'talk' use different signs that focus more on the action of communicating words from the mouth.
Do I need to use both hands for this sign?
No, 'voice' is a one-handed sign. You should use your dominant hand to form the 'V' handshape and perform the movement from your throat.
Can this sign be used for the word 'vocal'?
Yes, this sign is often used to represent the concept of 'vocal' or 'vocal cords' in addition to 'voice,' as it visually references the exact area where sound is produced.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!